Black athletes were dominating college sports such as track and basketball during the 1960's. When it became time for the olympics, black athletes came together and formed the OPHR. They believed that America was using them to show off to the other counties how they treat blacks and whites the same. But the athletes really knew what was going on. They believed that America was using them to win and nothing else.The organization was led by Dr. Harry Edwards, whos goal was to show that the 'progress' that America has made towards racial issuses were slim to none. Tommie Smith, the 200 meter track runner joined the organization because he could not get housing close by to his university. Lew Alcindor also was part of the OPHA and in his speech at the founding conference he mentioned a time when he was walking in Harlem and was being shot at by a cop while others walking by did nothing. If these athletes were going to support Amercia then America would have to support them first.
This organization gave America the push it needed in order for blacks to be treated equally. The picture of Smith and Carlos shows the breakthrough that was finaly made. If it was not for the Olympic Project of Human Rights America would not have given blacks the equality they deserve until way later.
